Washington, D.C. - United Nations Security Council members must develop a strategy in ongoing discussions on piracy in Somalia that addresses the root causes of the problem, Refugees International (RI) urged today. In particular, supporting an all-inclusive political process in Somalia would be a first step towards resolving the lawlessness, impunity and political chaos that wracks the nation. Refugees International also urged Council members to approach the authorization of UN peacekeepers with extreme caution.

"The UN Security Council's single-minded focus on piracy is hypocritical and underscores that economic interests are trumping humanitarian concerns," said UN Representative Michelle Brown.  "Somalia is experiencing the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with over 3 million people dependent on international assistance. Underlining the failure of policies supported by the international community over the past two years, the humanitarian situation may further deteriorate as Ethiopian troops begin to withdraw from Somalia. The Security Council must change its focus and develop long-term strategies that tackle the political roots of the crisis."

Refugees International also expressed concern over press reports that indicate the U.S. is pushing for a small UN peacekeeping mission in Somalia. The Security Council has spent months debating various security options for Somalia, and with the exception of a few members, there is broad agreement that the necessary conditions are not yet in place for deploying a UN force.  It is unlikely that any countries would contribute the troops necessary. As Ethiopian troops withdraw, there is a great deal of concern about the potential security vacuum that may emerge, but an ill-equipped peacekeeping force will not solve this.

"Unless deployment takes place within the context of a viable political process, UN peacekeepers will most certainly become targets of the insurgency and will ultimately fail," Ms. Brown continued.  "None of the security arrangements that are currently under discussion are workable, so it is time that the Council stops spinning its wheels and develops a coherent and unified approach to Somalia that encourages an inclusive political dialogue."

Refugees International is a Washington, DC-based organization that advocates to end refugee crises. In October, Refugees International staff conducted a mission to Hargeisa, Somaliland where they met with non-governmental organizations, Somaliland ministry officials, UN agencies and displaced Somalis to assess the humanitarian conditions. There are approximately 1.1 million internally displaced people in Somalia and over 400,000 Somali refugees in neighboring countries. For more information, go to http://www.refugeesinternational.org.

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Contact: Vanessa Parra, 202-828-0110, x225;
Vanessa@refugeesinternational.org